Ronda Rousey's combat sports history: photos | WWE

+ Show Caption

1 / 25

First qualifying for the Olympic Games in 2004 at age 17, Ronda Rousey was the youngest judoka to compete in the Games.

1 / 25

1 / 25

1 / 25

+ Show Caption

1 / 25

At the 2008 Olympic Games, Rousey became the first American to win an Olympic medal in Women's Judo.

1 / 25

+ Show Caption

1 / 25

Following a successful career in Olympic judo, Rousey decided to transition to Mixed Martial Arts in 2011.

+ Show Caption

1 / 25

Rousey first made a name for herself in Strikeforce - notably dislocating Miesha Tate's elbow to win the Women's Bantamweight Championship .

+ Show Caption

1 / 25

In 2012, Rousey became the first woman to sign with UFC.

+ Show Caption

1 / 25

Rousey's patented armbar became one of the most feared moves in all of MMA.

+ Show Caption

1 / 25

Using her judo skills inside the octagon, Rousey was nearly unstoppable.

+ Show Caption

1 / 25

Rousey was the first-ever UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion.

1 / 25

1 / 25

+ Show Caption

1 / 25

Rousey captivated fans and fellow fighters by winning a stunning 10 out of 12 fights in under a minute.

1 / 25

+ Show Caption

1 / 25

Fighting legends like WWE Hall of Famer Mike Tyson praised Rousey's ability.

1 / 25

+ Show Caption

1 / 25

Rousey won the ESPY Award for Best Female Athlete in 2014 and 2015. She also won the ESPY for Best Fighter in 2015.

1 / 25

+ Show Caption

1 / 25

Advertisement: Click the arrow to continue

+ Show Caption

1 / 25

The focus and determination of Rousey helped mold her reputation as a feared competitor.

1 / 25

+ Show Caption

1 / 25

Rousey's dominance in the octagon set the stage for elite competition and paved the way for women in the UFC.

1 / 25